Pep Guardiola has identified three clubs capable of preventing Real Madrid from clinching the Champions League title after Manchester City’s elimination in the playoff round. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has advised Kylian Mbappe on what he must do to reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid secured their spot in the Round of 16 after defeating Manchester City 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the knockout playoffs, advancing with an aggregate score of 6-3. The Spanish giants had already claimed a 3-2 victory in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, positioning themselves as strong contenders. Mbappe set the tone early with a goal in the fourth minute.
The French forward continued his dominant performance, doubling Madrid’s lead in the 33rd minute before completing his hat-trick in the 61st. Despite Nico Gonzalez pulling one back in injury time, it was nothing more than a consolation for City.
Following the match, Guardiola acknowledged Madrid’s superiority, admitting they were the stronger side this season. The former Bayern Munich coach conceded that Madrid are clear favorites to win the competition but noted that Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona could pose a challenge.
According to Metro, Guardiola stated:
“Madrid are always among the top contenders for this trophy. There are other teams performing well, but Madrid’s history and quality make them the favorites. Liverpool, Barcelona, and PSG are also having impressive seasons and will challenge them. Still, Madrid remain the team to beat.”
Guardiola further admitted:
“The better team won tonight. They deserved it. This season, we haven’t performed at our best. In past seasons, we were on par with Madrid or even better, but this time, they were superior. Their ability to dominate possession, press effectively, and transition quickly made the difference. We have to accept it, learn from it, and focus on upcoming challenges.”
City’s manager emphasized the need to regroup, with ambitions to compete for the FA Cup, secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, and return stronger in next season’s Champions League. Despite their exit, he praised his squad’s consistency in the competition, having reached semifinals and finals in recent years.
Ancelotti’s Thoughts on Mbappe’s Potential
Despite a slow start to his Madrid career, Kylian Mbappe has been in exceptional form, netting 27 goals and providing three assists in 37 appearances this season.
Ancelotti was highly impressed by Mbappe’s performance against City and spoke about the French forward’s potential to reach the legendary status of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Mbappe has the ability to reach Cristiano’s level, but it won’t be easy. Ronaldo set an incredibly high standard, and to match that, Mbappe must continue working hard,” Ancelotti remarked.
Transfer Updates: Camavinga, Branthwaite, and Vinicius Jr.
Madrid’s midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has been linked with a potential departure in the summer, with Manchester United reportedly showing interest since November. Injuries have hampered his season, and Madrid’s management is reportedly not entirely satisfied with his performances.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are eyeing Everton’s young defender Jarrad Branthwaite but face several obstacles. Everton are reluctant to sell, valuing him at over £70 million, while several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal, are also in the race for his signature.
Additionally, reports suggest that the Saudi Pro League is preparing a record-breaking bid for Madrid’s Brazilian star Vinicius Junior. Despite his long-term commitment to Los Blancos, Saudi clubs remain determined to lure him away.
